About
Hi, I’m Arnau
I am a passionate traveler and wildlife photographer from Spain. For the last 3 years, I’ve been fortunate to explore the world, but Africa—especially East and Southern Africa—has stolen my heart. These regions are truly the best places for safaris, and I’ve spent over 7 months traveling across this incredible continent. Along the way, I’ve had the opportunity to do countless safaris, meet amazing guides, and work directly with local operators.
Through Safaris by Locals, I want to share my love for Africa with you. My mission is to help you experience the magic of safaris while connecting you with trusted, local operators. I’ve personally worked with many of them, and I only recommend those whose services I’ve been truly impressed by.
What makes Safaris by Locals different is my commitment to supporting small, local businesses. Every operator I work with is a local, and I believe that booking directly with them benefits both the local economy and your pocket. By cutting out middlemen, you’ll get the best deals without unnecessary fees.
Why Book Direct with Local Operators?
Here’s an interesting fact: most travel agents rely on local companies to organize safari tours. By booking directly with the local operator, you can skip the middleman and avoid the hefty commission fees that travel agents charge. This often means you could save up to 50% on your trip! But it’s not just about saving money—booking directly also offers you a more personalized safari experience. You’ll be dealing with people who are truly passionate about their land and wildlife, something you don’t always get from large, impersonal companies.
Why I Created Safaris by Locals
The reason I created Safaris by Locals is simple: to help both travelers and local operators. Many local guides have told me that one of their biggest struggles is finding clients. Large booking platforms often charge high fees for every lead they generate, which makes it difficult for smaller operators to thrive. With Safaris by Locals, I wanted to provide a solution that makes the process easier for everyone involved.
I work with dedicated, trustworthy local operators and charge a fair commission—only once your safari is confirmed. Beyond just connecting you with these operators, I also create valuable content about safaris and guide you throughout the booking process. This way, we all benefit: you get the best prices, local operators receive the clients they deserve, and I earn a fair commission for facilitating everything. It’s all about creating a mutually beneficial relationship where everyone wins!
Results That Speak Volumes
Dive into the data behind our commitment to local-led travel
Connecting Travelers with Trusted Local Operators
Over 200 safaris have been successfully arranged through Safaris by Locals, connecting travelers to some of Africa’s most reliable and passionate local safari operators. This number reflects the trust travelers place in the platform and the satisfaction they experience from working with local experts. By directly booking with these operators, my clients have been able to explore the African wilderness in a truly authentic way, ensuring they get a unique, personal experience that larger agencies cannot offer.
Expert Safari Insights from 7+ Years of Experience
With more than 7 years of first-hand experience in exploring African safaris, I’ve gained invaluable insights into the best destinations, wildlife hotspots, and how to make the most of every safari. I’ve visited some of the most iconic national parks in East and Southern Africa, built relationships with local guides, and constantly honed my knowledge to offer travelers a curated experience that ensures they don’t miss out on the wildlife wonders that Africa has to offer. My goal is to use this experience to guide you in planning a safari that’s unforgettable.
Handpicked Local Operators for the Best Experience
I work with a select group of local operators—no more than four trusted companies per country. These are operators I know personally, and I’ve had the privilege of traveling with most of them, experiencing the quality of their services firsthand. Each one has been carefully chosen based on their commitment to excellence, sustainability, and passion for sharing Africa's wildlife. I want to make sure that every traveler I connect with a local operator has the confidence that they’re working with a provider who truly cares about delivering a top-tier safari experience. My partnerships are built on trust, so you can be sure that you’re in the best hands during your adventure.